Jurisdiction
/ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən/noun
The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.
Did you know?The concept of jurisdiction historically intertwines with ancient beliefs about the divine right of kings, suggesting that legal authority was once seen as a form of sacred magic.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
jurisdictio
“The act of speaking the law.”
Late Middle Ages
Old French
jurisdiction
“The authority to administer justice.”
15th Century
Middle English
jurisdiccion
“The power granted to a court or legal body.”
Modern English
English
jurisdiction
“The range of authority within which legal decisions can be made.”